06/05/2026
The Cost of a "Free" Prize
Imagine receiving an unexpected email from a well-known organization, such as Costco or Marriott, letting you know that you've been selected for an exclusive opportunity. All you have to do is respond to a quick survey about your recent experience with them, and you'll be awarded a brand-new iPhone. If you haven't visited these organizations recently, you probably suspect that something isn't quite right. But if you have, you might be very tempted to open the survey. If you do, you'll see a countdown timer that pressures you to answer all the questions quickly.
But the email you received is actually a phishing scam! Cybercriminals frequently impersonate well-known brands to build your trust and trick you into acting impulsively. The survey, the prize, and the countdown timer are all part of the scam. If you complete the survey, you'll be prompted to enter your credit card number and personal information to pay a small delivery fee for the new iPhone. But remember, this survey is fake, and cybercriminals will steal any information that you enter!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:
• It’s unlikely that a legitimate organization will ask you to pay a fee with your credit card to receive a free prize. Being asked to pay for something that's supposed to be free is a red flag.
• Use caution if you receive an unexpected message that claims you've won a prize, especially if it pressures you to act quickly. Cybercriminals often use a sense of urgency to trick you into making fast decisions.
• If you receive a suspicious email, don't select any links in it. Instead, check the organization's official website or contact them directly to verify if the survey is legitimate.
